We choose students who will become physicians that care about standards of service, excellence, and dedicated patient care. Stritch students become good physicians not only because of what they have learned, but also because of who they are. Our application process allows students to express their personality, interests and abilities, as well as demonstrate their academic accomplishments. Members of the Committee on Admissions, who include faculty, residents and students, are devoted to selecting a diverse class of capable, multi-talented people who will be able to work well together as they begin the life-long study of medicine.

M.D./Ph.D. Program

Those interested in a career that combines the practice of clinical medicine with biomedical research should access our website to learn about our M.D./Ph.D. program. The 7-8 year dual degree curriculum is flexible, individually tailored, and provides an opportunity to work concurrently toward an M.D. and a Ph.D. degree in a basic science area of interest. Information on the M.D./Ph.D. program description and application requirements can be found on our website.

ASPIRE

Sunday, June 8, 2014 - Friday, July 11, 2014 Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM) has a five-week program for students who want to pursue a career in medicine and have a desire to advocate for underserved communities. During the program, students are exposed to a comprehensive curriculum that integrates academic/science lectures, shadowing opportunities, professional development skills/tools, and a community service project that advances health equity. Information on the ASPIRE program, description and application requirements can be found on our website.

The first step in applying to Stritch is to complete a standardized application, which is provided by the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) beginning in early April. Students submit this application electronically to AMCAS and designate which medical schools are to receive a copy.

Admissions officers at Stritch review AMCAS applications to determine which applicants will be sent the Stritch Supplemental Application, which includes short-answer and essay questions that allow students to present their personal experiences and insights. As part of the Supplemental Application, prospective students must also have letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf.

Stritch accepts applications from June 1 through November 15 each year. Since the school uses a rolling admissions process, however, those who submit their AMCAS application and all supporting materials in the summer and early fall will enhance their potential for being offered direct acceptance into the class.

First-time applicants who are unsuccessful in gaining admission to the Stritch School of Medicine may reapply. Third applications, however, are not encouraged, and Stritch’s Committee on Admissions will consider such only if significant improvement is evident in a letter requesting permission to submit a third application.

Letters of Recommendation are accepted through the AMCAS letter service. In order for your file to be reviewed by the Committee on Admissions at the Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM), letters of recommendation are required from the following sources:

1. Either a packet from your Premedical Committee (A single committee letter without complete corresponding letters from faculty does not constitute a packet) OR

2. Two science faculty letters and one non-science faculty letter. If option 2 is selected, a letter from your premedical or academic advisor is optional.

3. If you have transferred during your undergraduate career, please request at least one letter from a faculty member at each school you attended. These letters may fulfill part of the requirements stated in number 2 above, or they may be submitted in addition to those requirements. If you feel the faculty members at some schools can no longer supply meaningful evaluations, please explain this on your supplemental application.

4. If you are or were a graduate student, please request a letter from your graduate advisor and any appropriate professors. These letters should be submitted in addition to the requirements stated in 1, 2 and 3 above.

If your school has a system for premedical advising and evaluation and you do not submit material through the system, you must explain your reasons for not doing so. Also, if you are unable to submit any one of the required letters, explain your reasons on your supplemental application.

Although confidential letters of evaluation are of most use to the Committee on Admissions, it is not required that you waive your right of access to these letters. It is necessary, however, that you inform all appropriate parties of your decision to waive or not waive your right of access to letters of evaluation written on your behalf.

You may submit a maximum of three letters in addition to those required. If you request additional letters, you should make sure that the authors will be able to submit them within the same time frame as the required letters of evaluation, since all letters must be on file before your application to Loyola-Stritch is considered complete.

IMPORTANTIt is helpful for Letters of Evaluation to include your full name and AMCAS I.D.#

Completed files are reviewed to determine if the applicant is eligible for interview. Interviews take place at the medical school from early September through the end of March and allow prospective students to speak with faculty members and students. Applicants also tour Loyola’s facilities with a current medical student who can describe the educational experience and what it’s like to attend the Stritch School of Medicine. Generally, applicants are notified of their status within one month of the interview date. Once the class is filled, most interviewed candidates are placed on an alternate list and offered positions as they become available before the beginning of the academic year.

Orientation usually takes place in late July and classes begin the first Monday in August.

First-time applicants who are unsuccessful in gaining admission to Stritch may reapply. Third applications, however, are not encouraged. The Committee on Admissions will consider a third application only if significant improvement is evident in a letter from the potential applicant requesting permission for submitting such an application.

Basic Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree

1 academic year of general chemistry, general biology, general physics, and organic chemistry--all with laboratory (biochemistry can be substituted for part of the organic requirement) Please note: Advanced Placement credits are acceptable to fulfill requirements, however, we recommend applicants to complete additional science courses to maintain their science knowledge.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Oldest MCAT considered is 4 years prior to anticipated entrance into Stritch School of Medicine.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold a permanent resident visa, or be eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) process of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at the time of application.

Applicants enrolled in advanced degree programs must expect to complete their degrees prior to matriculation.

Although first-time applicants who are unsuccessful in gaining admission may reapply, third applications are not encouraged and will be considered only if significant improvement is evident.

The applicant’s academic record should exhibit a continued interest in learning and an ability to successfully tackle intellectual challenges. Any undergraduate major can prepare students for the rigors of medical school. We strongly recommend, however, that a student’s undergraduate years include liberal arts and science courses, as a broad education will serve them well throughout their life. We also require that students possess basic computer skills, as so much of their course work at the Stritch School of Medicine requires them.

Personal characteristic

Just as important as academic achievement is the applicant’s character, desire to serve others, and understanding of the medical profession. Our application essay and admissions interview allow prospective students to demonstrate these qualities. Ideal candidates possess maturity, integrity and the ability to work with a diverse patient population. In keeping with our Jesuit heritage, we look favorably on candidates who have shown the capacity to work and care for people from different social and economic groups, as well as learn from them. Involvement in community service is an advantage in that it demonstrates a concern for others and an ability to manage time efficiently. Of course, the Committee on Admissions recognizes that some people have limited opportunities for community service due to responsibilities at work and home.

Prior to submitting their application, prospective students should explore the medical profession to learn about some of the ethical, social, and economic issues confronting physicians today. Such an exploration will provide students with an awareness of the rewards and limitations of medicine. It can take many forms, including shadowing experiences and conversations with practicing physicians and other health care professionals or a hands-on experience, such as volunteering at a home for the developmentally disabled or caring for an aging relative.

The MCAT

Applicants must submit scores from the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), which is given nationally several times a year. We recommend that candidates take the MCAT in the Spring, but no later than September, of the year of application and repeat the test if their scores are not near the national averages for all four subtests (biology, chemistry, physics, verbal reasoning and writing skills). MCAT scores more than four years old from the year of anticipated entrance into medical school are not accepted. Registration materials can be obtained online at https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/